inspiredbyinsiders.com

15 Common Words to Never Use in Business

Navigating the business world needs financial insight, strong strategy, and clear communication. Avoid common words and phrases that may undermine your message or taint your image. You'll sound more professional.

“UM” or “Uh”

Using fillers like "um" or "uh" reflects unpreparedness and low confidence, seeming unprofessional. Practice speaking confidently, using pauses, not fillers, to think.

“Just”

"Can you just send me the report?" may seem harmless but conveys lack of urgency. Be more direct e.g., "Please send the report ASAP" or "I need your attention for a quick discussion."

Like

Using “like” as a filler word makes you sound unprofessional and undermines your message. It’s better to pause or use more precise language.

“Stuff”

“Too much stuff to do”, “Discuss stuff in meeting” sounds vague. Be specific, use descriptive language to communicate your thoughts.

“Actually”

This word can come off as condescending or questioning someone’s honesty. Instead, try using “in fact” or “as a matter of fact.”

“Kind Of” or “Sort Of”

Using phrases like “I’m kind of busy” or “This project is sort of important” weakens your words and appears uncommitted. Be direct and conclusive.

“Hate”

"I hate this project" sounds unprofessional and emotional. Use neutral terms like "dislike" or "strongly dislike" instead.

“Literally”

"I was late for the meeting,” “This project is truly killing me." Using 'literally' often sounds exaggerated and unprofessional in business. Opt for 'truly' instead.

“Can’t”

Using “can’t” makes you sound hostile and unwilling to find a solution. Instead, use more positive language like “Let’s find a way to make this work.”

“Basically”

"The project is on hold," "The meeting was 'basically' a waste of time." Use of "basically" may seem unprofessional or show lack of detail focus.

“Maybe”

"Maybe" sounds indecisive, suggesting lack of confidence in ideas or abilities. Opt for assertive language and avoid creating doubt.

“Never”

This word is absolute and makes you sound closed-minded. Instead, use more open-ended language like “rarely” or “seldom.”

“Pretty”

Using this word can make you sound unsure and diminish the impact of your statement. Instead, use stronger adjectives or avoid using unnecessary qualifiers.

“Obviously”

Using 'obviously' can seem condescending, assuming common knowledge, or asserting dominance. Instead, avoid it and support your point with clear explanations or examples.

“Honestly”

Using this word implies that you haven’t been honest in the past and undermine your credibility. It’s best to be direct and avoid unnecessary qualifiers like this one.

More From Inspired by Insiders

Your attitude and behavior decide if you're respected. Respect isn't just about actions, but self-presentation and interaction. Avoid certain things for respect. 20 Things You Must NOT Do if You Want People to Respect You

11 Things Boomers Need to Stop Saying to Millennials

Generational differences often complicate communication between Baby Boomers & Millennials. Here are 11 things Boomers should avoid saying.

15 Things Only People Who Lived in the 1970s Will Remember

The 1970s, remembered for its fashion and music, holds something special for many. Only those alive then will remember these 15 iconic features of the era.

10 Things to Never Buy at a Thrift Store

Thrift stores provide chances to find unique bargains, but can also be a source of unwanted, expensive mistakes. Avoid these 10 Things to Never Buy at a Thrift Store.

The 10 Most Haunted Places in the United States

Haunted places intrigue us from Europe's ancient castles to America's cemeteries. Is it mere folklore or truth? Check out The 10 Most Haunted Places in the United States on Inspired by Insiders.